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CAA : Drivers want to take a leadership role in reducing car emissions

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Khatir Soltani
AS reported by CAA

MONTREAL, - A new poll commissioned by the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) has found that drivers want to take a leadership role in reducing car emissions, and even with the economic downturn, this has not dampened the environment as a household priority.


According to the poll, some 56 per cent of Canadians believe that reducing the environmental impact of driving would make a big difference in terms of environmental progress overall, with another 34 per cent saying it would make a little bit of difference.

Quebec residents were even more vocal in believing such a move would make a big difference, with 67 per cent expressing this belief.

Half of drivers also said they believe they can do a lot to reduce the environmental impact of their transportation activities. Nationally, 49 per cent of drivers were of the view that a lot can be done, and in Quebec, 62 per cent felt that a lot can be done.

Even in the current economic climate, three out of four drivers said the environment remains as high a priority as the economy. This trend was evident in all regions of Canada, including Quebec where 71 per cent said the environment was a key priority.

Motorists were also polled on whether having tools to help them reduce the environmental impact of driving would be helpful. All told, 80 per cent of drivers said that such tools would be very or somewhat useful, and only 13 per cent said such a tool wouldn't be useful.

Residents of Quebec and Ontario expressed the highest level of interest in gaining access to such tools.

"Canadian drivers are committed to environmental progress and recognize they can make a difference in reducing emissions, both in terms of how they drive, and in terms of what they drive," says Jeff Walker, vice president of public affairs and chief strategy officer for the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA).

The poll also found that four in five drivers believe that CAA should take a leadership role in promoting environmentally sustainable approaches to driving and transportation. Among this group, women are the most likely to believe CAA should take on such a role (87 per cent), and members of CAA (85 per cent) were more likely than average to say the organization should take on this role.

photo:Jupiter Images
Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
Automotive expert
As a car enthusiast, he tests and compares vehicles from different categories through the eyes of the consumer, ensuring relevant and objective reviews.
  • Over 6 years experience as a car reviewer
  • Over 50 test drives in the last year
  • Involved in discussions with virtually every auto manufacturer in Canada